Jim Patrick

Jim Patrick is a kind man who has done a lot for the community, although he seems reluctant to discuss his good deeds.  However, in talking to Mr. Patrick, I could tell that without people like him willing to give of their time, the towns in this area would be in serious need. 

When he moved to East Bangor in 1959, he loved the town and the people in it.  However, he got involved in local politics because he wasn’t fond of how the town was being run at the time.  He was appointed to the East Bangor Borough Council about fifteen years ago and he currently resides as its President.  One of the council’s achievements that Mr. Patrick is especially proud of is paving the local highways. 

Mr. Patrick is married with two children, and told me that East Bangor is a great town to raise children in.  “We’re a small community and everyone looks out for everybody. On the block where I live, If you go away for the weekend, everybody there watches the house.”  He explains that the town has not changed at all since he first got there.  “People have been there for years. They don’t move in and out, it’s a small town and everyone gets along pretty well.” 

One of Mr. Patrick’s personal achievements is his involvement in the local chapter of the Civil Air Patrol, in which he has achieved the rank of Major.  Squadron 807 is based in East Bangor and is an auxiliary of the United States Air Force.  “We teach aerospace education and…we do a little bit of everything,” he says.  “In case of a disaster, like a fire or flood, we go out and help.”  The group of (currently) 23 cadets are learning how to rescue people from disasters such as airplane crashes.  Mr. Patrick regards the Civil Air Patrol as a helpful stepping stone to an ultimate goal of a military career, noting one young man who made his transition recently from Civil Air Patrol to Coast Guard Academy.  “We march, we drill…we make rank just like they do in the service.” 

One of Mr. Patrick’s hopes for the future of the Slate Belt is that the council can start a recycling center in the area.  “Right now, garbage people aren’t taking tires, construction equipment, or brush,” he explained.  “When you ride around you see tires here and garbage there. That’s why we need a recycle center.”  Additionally, he has willing volunteers in the youngsters involved in the Civil Air Patrol, explaining that sixteen hours of community service earns the cadets a ribbon on their uniforms.  Community service is obviously very important to Mr. Patrick.  He urges the cadets to shovel sidewalks for the elderly.  He recounts a time when a cadet shoveled the sidewalk for a neighbor.  The young man approached him and said, “Major, you’re old, let me do that!”  “I said no, I need the exercise!” he said with a laugh.  “He was a good boy though, and he didn’t take any money when the lady offered it.”

One thing that defines his town, Mr. Patrick says, is the United Methodist Church of East Bangor.  Though he is not a member of the Church, Mr. Patrick has gone there several times for services and has always been impressed by how welcoming the members of the congregation are.  “They accepted me not because I was a Catholic, or a Methodist, they accepted me as a person.”  The Church also sponsors community events, such as the annual Strawberry Festival, which Mr. Patrick says has gotten larger every year.  “There were so many people this year, they ran out of food! They used to have it at the Church, but it’s gotten so big that they have it at the park now.”  

Mr. Patrick and his wife also volunteer their time at East Bangor Park.  “My wife’s out there now cutting the grass, and I’m going to go help her when I get back!” he exclaimed.  When the Patriot League needed a field to play football in several years ago, they approached the East Bangor Borough Council about it.  Mr. Patrick motioned to give the League a field at East Bangor Park and, with some persuasion, another council member seconded the motion.  He was glad to be able to help the league out.  “They have at least two hundred kids…and they’re our future leaders, these kids. If we don’t teach them now, they won’t care about the town, their parents.”